GOLDEN WEDDING AT BLACKBALL

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 February 1916, Page 5

GOLDEN WEDDING AT BLACKBALL

MR AND MRS RIDDIFORD. (Our Correspondent.)' It is with pleasure we record the golden wedding of Dir and Mrs Arthur William Riddiford, of Blackball, which event was unique in being the first ever celebrated in the mining town. The worthy couple were married at St. Sepulchre Church, Northampton, England, on February 3rd, 1865, by the Rev. Canon William Butler. Mr Riddiford is a native of Fenny, Stratford, Buckinghamshire, where he was born in the year 1841, whilst his wife first saw the light of day on February 3rd, 1843, her birthplace being Rushton, Northamptonshire. Forty years ago Mr and Mrs Riddiford left the Old Land for New Zealand, and during the long period that has intervened they have been residents of the West Coast, either at Hokitika or Blackball. Dir Riddiford is a gilder bv trade, but during his residence at Hokitika he followed agricultural pursuits and in public and private life earned the esteem and respect of a wide circle of friends. He also acted as verger in All Saints’ Church there for the long term of 14 years. For the last twenty years Mr and Dlrs Riddiford have resided at Blackball, and until recently Dir Riddiford actively carried on the business of local newsagent. Advancing years, however, have now forced him to take life more leisurely, but, apart from this, ho .continues to take a lively interest in things generally. Like all pioneers, Mr and Mrs Riddiford have seen many changes on the Coast during their 43 years’ 'residence, but it is pleasing to ■observe that both continue to eniny comparatively good health. Last Thursday, being the 73rd birthday of the honored lady, as well as the 50th anniversary of their marriage, a- company of about 40 relatives and friends from all parts of New Zealand accepted an invitation to bo present at the breakfast held at their residence, over which Councillor Irvine presided. The tables were beautifully decorated, and the catering reflected much credit on the local purveyors. After partaking of -a sumptuous repast, the wedding cake (the gift of her daughter, Dlrs Sharpe) was duly cut and the customary toasts proposed and suitably acknowledged, Amongst those present were , the family of three sons, viz., Arthur J. Riddiford (Blackball), Ernest, Riddiford (Ngabere). find Charles Riddiford (Blackball); one daughter, Mrs Sharpe (Blackball); also eleven grandchildren and 1 greatgrandchild. whilst we observed Dlrs A. W. Rlddiford’s shtcr (Ms Tiphd and niece (Dlrs AlbeD Smith), from Christchurch. The venerable couple were the recipients of many useful and valuable gifts from the family and friends, as well as eoneratnlatory messages from all parts of the Dominion. In the evening Dir and Mrs Riddiford entertained about 250 guests in Maudl’s Hall. Dancing was continued until an carlv hour in the morning, whibt a snecial feature of the evening was 'he lending of the grand march by tin? host and hostere. Throughout the evening several vocal items were contributed bv tbe guest*, which were much apnreciatcd. and an exhibition of reel dancing bv the Dlis-es Sullivan was performed in excellent style. The nm«w supplied bv Miss Long and Mr George Kerr loft nothing to be desired, and tb" entertainment was pronounced an nnmmUfind whilst the smging <nf “Auld Lang Svne” brought a. most enjoyable function to a done. Special thanks ere /Inc to Mo-'kareos Hall, Hay, and Turk fee*. th" : r imt.lring efforts in connection with the auspicious event.